Haikou history

From Ferry Crossing to Port City

The history of the city of Haikou is rooted in deep antiquity, although for a long time it remained in the shadow of its neighbour — the ancient administrative centre of Qiongshan. The name of the city itself translates as "Sea Mouth", which accurately describes its original function: it was a vital harbour at the estuary of the Nandu River, connecting Hainan Island with mainland China.

Foundation and First Mentions

• Han Dynasty (2nd century BC): The first administrative structures appear on the island, but the territory of modern Haikou serves merely as a crossing point.
• Tang Dynasty (618–907): Haikou begins to take shape as a bustling transport hub, facilitating trade and communication with the mainland.
• Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): The settlement receives official status as a fortified military port named "Haikousuo", which became the starting point of its transformation into a full-fledged city.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small harbour into the island's main city was driven by a combination of several strategic advantages:

• Geographic Location: Situated at the mouth of the island's main river, the Nandu, the city became the natural gateway for all goods entering the depths of Hainan.
• Military Significance: During periods of struggle against pirates and external threats, the fortified port became a stronghold of security for the northern coast.
• Maritime Trade: Being the closest point to the Leizhou Peninsula, the city effectively monopolised ferry connections with the mainland.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, the economy of the future metropolis was built on fishing, salt production, and garrison services. However, its status as the "Gateway to the Island" quickly attracted merchants. Even in the early period, a distinct cultural order began to form here, different from the traditional agrarian lifestyle of the rest of China. A mix of military personnel, officials, exiled intellectuals, and traders created the grounds for an open and dynamic urban environment, which later flourished during the era of active maritime trade.

Key Dates in the History of Haikou

• Tang Dynasty (618–907) — A harbour appears on the site of the modern city, serving the island's administrative centre — the city of Qiongshan.
• 13th Century (Song Dynasty) — A permanent military garrison is stationed in the settlement, highlighting its growing strategic importance.
• Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) — The settlement is fortified, and it officially becomes a military port of China.
• 1858 — Under the Treaties of Tianjin, the port of Haikou opens to foreign trade, giving a powerful impulse to its economic development.
• 1926 — Haikou surpasses the old capital Qiongshan in population and becomes an independent administrative unit.
• 1939–1945 — During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the city is under occupation and used as a military port.
• 1950 — Haikou officially becomes part of the People's Republic of China.
• 1988 — Hainan Island is designated as a separate province, and Haikou is proclaimed its capital.
• 2002 — The city district of Qiongshan, the former historical centre of the island, officially merges into Haikou, significantly expanding its territory.
• 2018 — As part of the free trade port initiative, the new Jiangdong New Area is established, designed to become a new business and financial hub.
• June 1, 2020 — The central government approves the master plan for the Hainan Free Trade Port, cementing the island's status as a pilot economic zone.
• 2022 — Haikou International Duty Free City opens, the largest duty-free complex in the world, highlighting the city's new role in international tourism and retail.

Stages of Urbanisation and Infrastructural Growth

Beyond political and administrative reforms, the modern appearance of the city of Haikou has been shaped by large-scale engineering projects and social transformations. These events turned it from a simple administrative centre into a high-tech metropolis with an advanced transport network and a comfortable urban environment.

• Relocation of the Aviation Hub and Opening of Meilan Airport (1999)
  The closure of the old Dayingshan Airport in the city centre removed restrictions on high-rise construction. The launch of the new Meilan International Airport allowed the city to welcome millions of tourists and kickstarted the vertical growth of the business district.
• Commissioning of the Century Bridge (2003)
  The opening of the cable-stayed bridge across the Nandu River estuary connected the main part of the city with Haidian Island. This structure not only solved transport issues but also became the main visual symbol of the modern city, adorning most postcards.
• Creation of the Unified Hainan University (2007)
  The merger of the South China University of Tropical Agriculture and the old Hainan University into a single institution (Project 211). This event cemented the city's status as the province's main educational and scientific hub, attracting students from all over China.
• Completion of the High-Speed Railway Loop (2015)
  With the completion of the western railway line, the city became the key node of the world's first circular railway around a tropical island. It is now possible to travel from the capital to any resort in the province in a matter of hours.
• Awarding of International Wetland City Status (2018)
  Haikou became one of the first cities in the world to receive this accreditation from the Ramsar Convention. This recognition was the result of years of work on restoring mangrove forests and cleaning urban water bodies, defining the ecological vector of the metropolis's development.

The architectural appearance of Haikou is a visual history of the city, reflecting its transformation from an ancient port settlement into a modern metropolis. Here, traditional Chinese structures, unique colonial styles, and futuristic buildings coexist harmoniously, creating a unique urban landscape.

Historical Development: Qilou Style and Traditional Temples

The most recognisable architectural symbol of Haikou is the Qilou Old Street. This district, formed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, represents a unique example of cultural fusion. Chinese merchants returning from work in Southeast Asia (the Nanyang region) built homes here, combining European and South Asian architectural motifs. The Qilou style, also known as "arcade houses", is characterised by covered galleries on the ground floors that protect pedestrians from the sun and rain. The facades of these buildings are richly decorated with elements borrowed from Baroque, Renaissance, and Art Deco styles, creating an eclectic and picturesque ensemble. These structures, where the ground floor served as a shop or workshop and the upper floors as living quarters, are a vivid monument to the era of flourishing maritime trade.

In addition to colonial architecture, Haikou has preserved examples of more ancient Chinese architecture. A striking example is the Temple of the Five Lords (or Five Officials' Temple), the history of which dates back to the Ming Dynasty. This complex demonstrates classic features of Southern Chinese temple architecture: curved tiled roofs, wooden structures, and a harmonious arrangement of pavilions within the grounds.

Modern Development and Urban Planning

Since receiving the status of Hainan provincial capital in 1988, Haikou has experienced rapid growth. Urban development is actively expanding, with new business districts, wide avenues, and modern residential complexes appearing. The architecture of this period is represented by Modernism and Postmodernism, characterised by glass and concrete skyscrapers, complex road interchanges, and large-scale public spaces. This new look largely resembles other major Asian metropolises.

In recent years, Haikou has become a platform for realising bold, world-class architectural projects. As part of the "Pavilions by the Seaside" coastal renewal programme, iconic landmarks have been created, such as the Cloudscape of Haikou library by MAD Architects and the Sky Mountain pavilion by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. These futuristic structures, with their smooth, organic forms, have become new points of attraction, symbolising the city's aspiration towards the future while blending harmoniously with the coastal landscape and creating a dialogue between nature and ultra-modern architecture.

Distinguished Figures Connected to Haikou

The city of Haikou and its historical surroundings have been the birthplace or place of activity for many iconic figures in China for centuries. Their legacy is reflected in the history, culture, and even the names of the city's landmarks.

• Hai Rui (1514–1587) — An official of the Ming Dynasty era, born in Qiongshan (now part of Haikou). He went down in history as a symbol of crystal-clear honesty and integrity. Hai Rui became famous for his uncompromising fight against corruption and his bold criticism of even the Emperor himself. His tomb, located in Haikou, is one of the city's main historical attractions.
• Su Shi (1037–1101), also known as Su Dongpo — One of the greatest poets, calligraphers, and statesmen of the Song Dynasty. Although not a native of the island, his exile to Hainan in 1097 became a crucial cultural event for the entire region. Despite the harsh conditions, he founded a school here and left a rich literary heritage, celebrating the local nature. He is revered as one of the five distinguished officials to whom the Temple of the Five Lords in Haikou is dedicated.
• Qiu Jun (1421–1495) — A scholar, economist, and high-ranking official (Grand Secretary) during the Ming Dynasty, a native of Qiongshan. He was one of the most educated men of his time, the author of significant works on history, rituals, and state governance. His works influenced subsequent generations of Chinese intellectuals.
• Feng Xiaogang (born 1958) — One of China's most famous modern film directors. Although not born in Haikou, his name is inextricably linked to the city thanks to the creation of a large-scale cultural project — the Feng Xiaogang Movie Town. This theme park, recreating the architecture and atmosphere of 20th-century Chinese cities, has become one of the island's largest tourist attractions.
• Wu Xuanyi (born 1995) — A popular Chinese singer and actress born in Haikou. She gained widespread fame as a member of the popular girl groups Cosmic Girls and Rocket Girls 101. Wu Xuanyi is a bright representative of modern Chinese pop culture who has brought fame to her hometown on the national stage.